Cricket: Stuart Broad worry for England

Stuart Broad’s heel injury has added to England’s mounting concerns as they continue preparations for the Test series in India.

Vice-captain Broad is to have a scan, after having to leave the field temporarily because of pain in his left foot on day two against Mumbai A. The seamer returned after four overs but did not bowl again, having managed 10 overs previously as England’s hosts reached 232 for four in reply to 345 for nine declared.

An update on Broad’s heel is expected today, when England also hope to hear whether Stuart Meaker – called in as pace-bowling cover for the injured Steven Finn – has overcome visa issues and will be able to fly to India to play in a final warm-up before the first Test in Ahmedabad.

That opening match of four in what is sure to prove a tough series begins on November 15, and before Broad also succumbed to injury, it was thought probable that Finn’s sore thigh would keep him out of the reckoning until the second Test back in Mumbai.

England endured an awkward day all round at the Dr DY Patil Sports Stadium, where India’s No 3 Cheteshwar Pujara (87)shared a third-wicket stand of 163 with Hiken Shah (84 not out).

With or without Broad, it does not appear Pujara, for one, will be losing any sleep about England’s bowlers after his first experience against them.

“I was pretty comfortable against all the bowlers,” he said. “I guess, since I’ve scored runs, I’ll have learned more (than them).”

Pujara eventually fell to Monty Panesar, and described England’s left-arm spinner as the “pick” of the attack.